Nearby Theaters

The 41 Outdoor Theater was opened on May 21, 1949. It was designed by Chicago based architect Robert K. Bauerle out of architectural firm Rapp & Rapp. I remember this theater when I was a child. My parents used to go there in the 1960’s and we would sleep in the back seat after getting worn out on the swings and slides. I remember seeing “Goldfinger” and when The Beatles were popular, my older brother insisted on seeing “Help!” and “A Hard Day’s Night”.

The original screen was huge, like a building. Later, a second screen was added. The site is now occupied by a trucking business. All that is left are the concrete pillars of the second screen.

We used to go here just about every other weekend in the 60s. We would have 4-5 family cars lined up. It was cheap for the family(4 kids). We had a great time in the play area. Didnt care about the movies unless they were funny

I used to ride my bicyle there from the southeast side of Chicago in the early 70’s and sneak in the exit, until they figured out that trick! I went there the legal way until the late ‘70s. I would estimate it closed around 1981. (RIP)

Look again at the photo above. Why would there be a sign facing Sheffield on the back of the screen itself if Sheffield was the rear of the theater? There would be no need for this signage if the actual entrance was at Highway 41.

And the sign has “41” in quotation marks as if to signify it’s not just the name but the landmark so everyone would know where the theater was.

Also when twinned like when the it was a single screen, the Box office was closer to Sheffield as were the exits.